Volkswagen Golf GTI (05-08) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 21 Jul 2008
4.5
The Golf GTI came back with a bang in 2005. Powered by a turbocharged 200bhp 2.
Volkswagen Golf GTI (05-08)

Great performance, fun to drive, easy to live with, iconic badge

Expensive compared to some hot hatches and not as quick either

New price range:

£20,840 - £24,675

Used price range:

£5,155 - £14,247

View all used prices

Summary

Parkers Rating:

4.5 out of 5

The Golf GTI came back with a bang in 2005. Powered by a turbocharged 200bhp 2.0T FSI engine, it's smooth, refined and pleasingly quick to drive plus there's a choice of the standard six-speed manual or an optional semi-automatic DSG gearbox. On the road the GTI is simply superb, cornering with accurate precision and providing plenty of surefooted grip. It looks the part too with styling cues and features such as the chequered seat fabric designed to evoke memories of the original model. Stylish, quick and enjoyable to drive, as hot hatches go, the Golf GTI is firmly back on top. Two special editions, the Edition 30 and Pirelli, offer 30bhp more than the standard GTI, along with unique styling touches inside and out.

Parkers Ratings

Overall

4.5 out of 5

Performance

4.5 out of 5

Handling

4 out of 5

Comfort

4 out of 5

Practicality

3.5 out of 5

Behind the wheel

4.5 out of 5

Safety

4.5 out of 5

Reliability

4.5 out of 5

Running costs

3.5 out of 5

Green credentials

3 out of 5

Buying used

3.5 out of 5

Selling

4 out of 5

Equipment

4 out of 5

What owners say...

 Comfortable 5 doors (baby seat) Plenty of passenger space.  

4 out of 5

Des Armstrong ,   29 Oct 2012    ... read more

 Good space. Big boot. Very comfortable. If the build quality had been better, the car hadn't been such a dog and the dealer been so poor I would have kept the car as when it was new it was probably...  

2 out of 5

Mark Futter ,   19 Aug 2010    ... read more

 Most practical? The great sized boot and the fact that you've got a car that happily seats 4/5 people and yet goes 140+ mph. It's so great! Fuel economy is fair too - easily achieve 36mpg+ on long...  

5 out of 5

Anonymous ,   01 May 2009    ... read more

See all Owners' Reviews

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